MINERVA SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Established in 1991, the Minerva Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to women whose formal education has been interrupted for at least one year and who live or work within the boundaries of Peninsula School District #401.
In 1991, Colonel Sybil Mercer challenged her friends Ms. Ruth Taylor and Colonel Florence Casey to match her own $5,000 donation to establish the 501c3 Minerva Scholarship Fund. The two friends met her challenge and carried on the ask, asking their friends and members of the Gig Harbor American Association of University Women of Gig Harbor to contribute a matching $15,000. By 1993 the fund had $30,000 and could begin offering scholarships to women in the community.
In 2022, the Minerva Scholarship Fund became a fund of the Greater Gig Harbor Foundation.
Working with the Foundation, which provides professional staff to manage the fund, regulatory reporting, bookkeeping, insurance, and other support services, was important to the Minerva Board in ensuring a sustainable legacy for the fund. The expertise of Foundation staff also open the opportunity for the fund to accept a diversity of gifts, including gifts of securities, IRA-qualified charitable distributions, testamentary gifts, and more.
VISION STATEMENT
To assist women whose formal education has been interrupted for at least a year to achieve their educational goals.
ABOUT
Recipients of the Minerva Scholarships pursue Master’s, and Bachelor’s degrees in such diverse careers as music, gerontology, education, and nursing. Their success will impact their lives, the well-being of their families, and enhance our local community.
MORE INFORMATION
HOW TO APPLY
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
MORE ABOUT MINERVA
HOW TO SUPPORT
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Make a donation today by donating online
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Text "MINERVA" to 44-321
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Mail a check to the Minerva Scholarship Fund, c/o GGHF, 7191 Wagner Way, Suite 102, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
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Make a Planned Gift
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Other contributions:
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For questions about making a gift to the fund through your Will, IRA, or appreciated securities please contact the Foundation by phone, (253) 514-6338, ext 102 or email minervascholarshipfund@gigharborfoundation.org
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For questions about applying or the application, please contact Minerva Scholarship Chair at: minervagigharbor@gmail.com
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Donations to the Minerva Scholarship Fund provide support to women in our local Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula community. Many of the recipients would not be able to pursue their educational dreams without Minerva’s support.
A contribution to Minerva in honor of a friend or family member makes a wonderful gift!